The House of Representatives met briefly on Wednesday in full formal session to pass a law updating the state’s uniform commercial code, a set of acts governing commercial transactions in Massachusetts and most other states across the country.
The bill originated in the Joint Committee on Economic Development and Emerging Technologies, one of my committees. As described in the State House News Service, “The code promotes economic development by enabling firms doing business in multiple states to conform their practices to one set of uniform laws. Periodically, a commission with members appointed from each state recommends revisions to keep the code consistent with evolving business practices. The commission recommended several revisions since Massachusetts last updated the code in 2001.
“Changes to the federal Uniform Commercial Code are due to go into effect at the federal level on July 1, and the bill is an attempt to bring state law into compliance before then.”
I would like to extend my congratulations to the members of St. John’s Lutheran Church in Westfield. This Sunday they will be observing and celebrating the 50th anniversary of the construction of their church in its current location on Broad Street.
Another church celebrated a milestone anniversary this week. The Church of the Atonement had its 150th Strawberry Supper on Thursday evening at the Boys and Girls Club gymnasium. Due to the memorial service for Governor Paul Cellucci in Boston I was unable to attend this year, but my family and I have gone to this great community event many times over the years. It is a unique and wonderful Westfield tradition. Congratulations again.
Massachusetts lost a good man and a valued public servant with the recent passing of former Governor and United States Ambassador Argeo Paul Cellucci. Cellucci announced publicly in 2011 that he was living with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis, ALS.
In 1990, Bill Weld and Paul Cellucci were elected Governor and Lt. Governor of the Commonwealth. In 1997, Paul Cellucci became acting governor and was elected to the position in his own right in 1998. He was the 69th Governor of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. Before that Paul Cellucci was a local official in his town of Hudson, then a member of the House and Representatives, and later a member of the State Senate.
In 2001, President George W. Bush named him Ambassador to Canada. He was Ambassador during September 11 and was instrumental in working with the White House, the FAA, and the Canadian government in diverting and landing hundreds of airplanes and thousands of air passengers bound for the United States in Canada.
There was a moving ceremony of remembrance to honor Paul Cellucci in the House Chamber at the State House on Thursday, which I was privileged to attend, along with scores of current and former legislators and other public officials.
John McDermott, a famous Canadian Celtic singer sang the National Anthem. Speaker Robert DeLeo and Senate President Therese Murray spoke. Former Governors Mike Dukakis and Mitt Romney attended. Governor Deval Patrick and Governor Bill Weld spoke. Former White House Chief of Staff Andrew Card also made remarks about his friend and colleague.
Perhaps the most moving tribute came from Cellucci’s running mate and partner, former Lt. Governor Jane Swift. Jane has always been a great speaker and she was filled with emotion and admiration for her former boss and friend. The current Canadian Ambassador to the United States, Gary Doer, was also there to represent the Canadian government and related some humorous and poignant stories about Ambassador Cellucci.
I was a young Legislative Aide to then-State Representative Mike Knapik when I first met Paul Cellucci but I quickly came to admire him for his humility, tenacity, wit, and legislative strategy. He was the type of man who never made you feel small or unimportant. I was pleased to be able to work on his and Jane Swift’s campaign for Governor and Lt. Governor. In 1998, I went to work for the Cellucci and Swift Administration as Director of Legislative Affairs at the Executive Office of Health & Human Services.
My deepest condolences and sympathy to his wife Jan and the Cellucci family.
The State House News Service published an interesting story this week that I found to be historically fascinating. I share it with you below:
“Massachusetts has rolled out the red carpet for former Gov. Argeo Paul Cellucci, who on Thursday will be honored with a public wake at the State House reserved for only 12 others before the late governor. Cellucci passed away over the weekend after a battle with Lou Gehrig’s Disease. He was 65.
“Cellucci’s body will lie in state in the Hall of Flags for a public viewing to last from 2:30 until 7 p.m. Over the course of history, such ceremonies have been reserved for governors, members of Congress and military personnel dating to 1874, according to the State Library of Massachusetts.
“Charles Sumner was the first politician to lie in state under the Golden Dome followed by Commander in Chief of the Grand Army Wilmon Blackmar in 1905; Brigadier General Edmund Rice in 1906; Secretary of State William Olin in 1911; Gov. Curtis Guild in 1915; General Clarence Edwards in 1931 and Gov. James Michael Curley in 1958. In more modern times, the honor has been bestowed on U.S. House Speaker Thomas “Tip” O’Neill in 1994; Gov. Francis Sargent in 1998; Congressman Joe Moakley in 2001; Gov. Edward King in 2006; and state House Speaker George Keverian in 2009.
“In a break from tradition, pallbearers will carry Cellucci’s casket into the State House through the front gates to Doric Hall, ascending the stairs from the Beacon Street normally under lock and key. According to the Secretary of State, the ceremonial entrance is typically reserved for three occasions: when a governor leaves the State House for the last time after his or her term has expired; when the president of the United States or a foreign head of state visits; and when the Massachusetts Regimental Flags are received into the permanent collection.”
Happy Father’s Day to my dad, and to all dads out there. Being a father myself gives me a new perspective on the joys and challenges of fatherhood, but there is no greater pleasure in my life than to be a dad to my son.
Have a great week.
Disclaimer: The views expressed in this column are those of the author and not the staff, editor, or publisher of the Westfield News.
Representative Don Humason and his Chief of Staff Maura Cassin McCarthy may be reached at their Westfield District Office, 64 Noble Street, Westfield, MA 01085,(413) 568-1366.
Representative Don Humason may be reached at his Boston office, State House Room 542, Boston, MA 02133, (617) 722-2803.
Email address: [email protected]
Website: www.DonHumason.org
